Which of the following is NOT one of the four design principles?

• A. Repetition
• B. Alternation
• C. Proportion
• D. Contrast

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how we recognize the key ways designers create structure and interest in a hairstyle. The four design principles typically highlighted here are repetition, alternation, progression, and contrast. Repetition keeps elements consistent to create unity; alternation introduces variation by alternating between different elements; progression (or transition) guides the eye with a gradual change in size, shape, or position; and contrast uses differences to emphasize certain parts of the design.

Proportion isn’t one of these four principles. It’s about the relationship of sizes within the design—the relative big or small parts—rather than the patterned ways elements are repeated, alternated, progressed, or contrasted. So while proportion matters in styling, it isn’t counted as part of the four design principles in this context.